Telesat is providing engineering and consulting services to Vietnam’s fledgling space program, readying the country’s first satellite for launch next year. Working with the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), the Ottawa-based satellite operator is supervising technical design, integration, test, launch and acceptance of the VINASAT-1 satellite, as well as technical training. Scheduled for orbit in 2008, VINASAT-1 is expected to improve telecommunications throughout Vietnam, especially to the nation’s rural communities. The satellite is being built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems and is expected to have a minimum service life of 15 years.